Abstract: Nuclear fuel cladding for fast reactors, assemblies thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The nuclear fuel cladding comprises a substrate, a first layer, and a second layer. The substrate a tubular shape. The first layer is deposited over an external surface of the substrate. The first layer comprises a corrosion resistant composition. The second layer is disposed over the first layer. The second layer comprises silicon carbide fibers infiltrated with silicon carbide. The second layer is configured to inhibit outward creep of the substrate.

Abstract: Annular nuclear fuel rods are disclosed. The annular nuclear fuel rods include an outer cladding tube made of ceramic composite or cermet composite, an inner cladding tube made of ceramic composite or cermet composite, a nuclear fuel region located between the outer cladding tube and inner cladding tube, and an open channel for liquid coolant to flow.

Abstract: An improved, accident tolerant fuel for use in light water and heavy water reactors is described. The fuel includes a zirconium alloy cladding having a chromium or chromium alloy coating and an optional interlayer of molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, and niobium between the zirconium alloy cladding and the coating, and fuel pellets formed from U3Si2 or UN and from 100 to 10000 ppm of a boron-containing integral fuel burnable absorber, such as UB2 or ZrB2, either intermixed within the fuel pellet or coated over the surface of the fuel pellet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer cladding including a combination of ceramic and metallic components. The multilayer coating includes an inner layer, an intermediate layer and an outer layer. The inner layer can form the cladding structure, the intermediate layer can include a ceramic composite or ceramic-containing composite composed of interlocking woven or braided fibers, e.g., fiber tows wrapped on the inner layer to form a woven structure, and a matrix material, and the outer can be composed of metal or metal alloy, such as, in the form of a coating. The multilayer cladding is effective to protect contents of the cladding structure from exposure to high temperature environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer cladding including a combination of ceramic and metallic components. The multilayer coating includes an inner layer, an intermediate layer and an outer layer. The inner layer can form the cladding structure, the intermediate layer can include a ceramic composite or ceramic-containing composite composed of interlocking woven or braided fibers, e.g., fiber tows wrapped on the inner layer to form a woven structure, and a matrix material, and the outer can be composed of metal or metal alloy, such as, in the form of a coating. The multilayer cladding is effective to protect contents of the cladding structure from exposure to high temperature environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to remotely operated laser sintering systems and methods for manufacturing pellets containing highly radioactive elements. The highly radioactive elements can be recovered from used nuclear fuels. The systems and methods of the invention employ a feed composition including one or more highly radioactive elements and a ceramic matrix material. The feed composition is distributed in the form of a layer and sintered by directing at least one laser beam to form a pattern in the layer of the feed composition. The pattern corresponds to the shape of the pellet. Further, the sintering process can be repeated as necessary to achieve a pre-determined pellet height.

Abstract: The invention relates to remotely operated laser sintering systems and methods for manufacturing pellets containing highly radioactive elements. The highly radioactive elements can be recovered from used nuclear fuels. The systems and methods of the invention employ a feed composition including one or more highly radioactive elements and a ceramic matrix material. The feed composition is distributed in the form of a layer and sintered by directing at least one laser beam to form a pattern in the layer of the feed composition. The pattern corresponds to the shape of the pellet. Further, the sintering process can be repeated as necessary to achieve a pre-determined pellet height.